Part II, Article 2: The Ministry of the Word [59]

§ 1. The content of that ministry consists in "the pastoral preaching,
catechetics and all forms of Christian instruction, among which the
liturgical homily should hold pride of place".[60]

The exercise of its respective functions is properly that of the Bishop
of each particular Church since he is the moderator of the entire
ministry of the Word in his Diocese [61] and it is also properly that of
his priests who are his collaborators.[62] In communion with the Bishop
and his priests, this ministry also belongs to deacons.[63]

§ 2. The non-ordained faithful, according to their proper character,
participate in the prophetic function of Christ, are constituted as his
witnesses and afforded the "sensus fidei" and the grace of the Word. All
are called to grow even more as "heralds of faith in things to be hoped
for" (cf. Hebrews 11, 1).[64] Today, much depends on their commitment and
generous service to the Church, especially in the work of catechesis.

Therefore, the faithful, especially members of Institutes of Consecrated
Life and Societies of Apostolic Life can be invited to collaborate, in
lawful ways, in the exercise of the ministry of the Word.[65]

§ 3. To ensure the effectiveness of the collaboration mentioned in § 2
above, it is necessary to note some conditions relating to the operation
of this same collaboration.

Canon 766 of the Codex Iuris Canonici establishes the conditions under
which competent authority may admit the non-ordained faithful to preach
in ecclesia vel oratorio. The use of the expression admitti possunt
makes clear that in no instance is this a right such as that which is
specific and proper to the Bishop [66] or a faculty such as enjoyed by
priests and deacons.[67]

The terms in which these conditions are expressed - "If in certain
circumstances it is necessary..., ...if in particular cases it would be
useful..." in canon 766, make clear the exceptional nature of such cases
as well as the fact that such must always be done iuxta Episcoporum
conferentiae praescripta. In this final clause, this Canon establishes
the primary source for correct discernment with regard to necessity or
useful in specific cases. The prescriptions of the Conference of Bishops
in this matter, which must receive the "recognitio" of the Apostolic
See, are obliged to lay down those opportune criteria which may assist
the diocesan Bishop in making appropriate pastoral decisions, proper to
the nature of the same episcopal office.

§ 4. In some areas, circumstances can arise in which a shortage of
sacred ministers and permanent, objectively verifiable, situations of
need or advantage exist that would recommend the admission of the non-
ordained faithful to preaching.

Preaching in churches or oratories by the non-ordained faithful can be
permitted only as a supply for sacred ministers or for those particular
reasons foreseen by the universal law of the Church or by Conferences of
Bishops. It cannot, however, be regarded as an ordinary occurrence nor
as an authentic promotion of the laity.

§ 5. Above all in the preparation for the sacraments, catechists take
care to instruct those being catechized on the role and figure of the
priest as the sole dispenser of the mysteries for which they are
preparing.